Assigned the outermost post, Major Hill hurried from last to snag a narrow victory in the $10,500 Preferred Handicap Pace on Sunday (June 12) at Rideau Carleton Raceway.
Settling into sixth of the sextet to a :26.4 first quarter, Major Hill patiently tipped off the pegs into a :55.2 half clicked by Lovemyrockinbird to catch cover from National Debt into the backside. National Debt gradually advanced towards Lovemyrockinbird through three-quarters in 1:23.3 and continued to reel in the pacesetter circling the final turn. Drawing to equal terms off the bottom corner, National Debt slid to a narrow lead as The Light Speed sprinted up the open stretch and driver Robert Shepherd dashed Major Hill off cover. The nine-year-old Art Major gelding carried the most momentum to the finish, edging a neck better than The Light Speed on the line while National Debt finished third and Lovemyrockinbird faded to fourth.
Conditioned by Yves Tessier for owner Francois Morin, Major Hill won his seventh race from 17 starts this season and his 34th from 249 overall. He has earned $571,891 in his career and paid $11.90 to win.
Trainer Victor Puddy posted good numbers through the 10-race card to visit the winner's circle on three occasions. He first scored a win in the evening's second race with Clodam Bayama ($12.60) and followed that with a mild upset by Shadow Margeaux ($13.10). With just a race to go on the night, Puddy hit the hat trick when Midnight Mood ($18.70) crossed the line first in the finale.
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click the following link: Sunday Results - Rideau Carleton Raceway.